History and Traditions

Our History

Authorized by the Texas legislature in 1899, Southwest Texas State Normal School opened its doors in 1903. Over the years, we've broadened our scope and changed our name a few times as well:

1918: Southwest Texas State Normal College

1923: Southwest Texas State Teachers College

1959: Southwest Texas State College

1969: Southwest Texas State University

2003: Texas State University-San Marcos

2013: Texas State University

Each name reflects our growth from a small teaching institution to a major, multipurpose university. Through our nine academic colleges, Texas State offers nearly 200 undergraduate and post-graduate degrees to serve the needs of future generations of Texans.